Automatic wall thermostat
First Claim
1. An automatic thermostat, which comprises:
- a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor providing a temperature sensor signal corresponding to a sensed actual temperature;
means for setting a set temperature, the set temperature setting means providing a set temperature signal;
means for setting a setback temperature, the setback temperature setting means providing a setback temperature signal;
a microprocessor, the microprocessor being responsive to the set and setback temperature signals and to the temperature sensor signal and generating first and second output signals in response thereto;
means for detecting a power outage, the power outage detecting means generating an output signal in response to a power outage;
a display, the display being responsive to the first output signal from the microprocessor and displaying information corresponding to a set temperature, setback temperature and actual temperature in response thereto; and
means for controlling power to at least one of a heating unit and an air conditioning unit, the power controlling means being responsive to the second output signal from the microprocessor and selectively controlling power to the at least one of a heating unit and an air conditioning unit in response thereto;
wherein the microprocessor is further responsive to the output signal from the power outage detecting means and automatically reprograms itself in response thereto and in further response to the set temperature signal and setback temperature signal.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic thermostat which automatically reprograms itself after a power outage without the need of a backup battery or other storage device includes a temperature sensor, a set temperature potentiometer, a setback temperature potentiometer and an ambient light sensor. The thermostat also includes a microprocessor which is responsive to signals from the temperature sensor, the set and setback temperature potentiometers and the ambient light sensor. The microprocessor controls a display which displays the set temperature, the setback temperature and the actual temperature. A power outage detector detects when there is a power outage and triggers the microprocessor to reprogram itself by rereading the signals from set temperature potentiometer and the setback temperature potentiometer. A relay is controlled by the microprocessor to selectively provide power to a heating or air conditioning unit.
63 Citations
16 Claims
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1. An automatic thermostat, which comprises:
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a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor providing a temperature sensor signal corresponding to a sensed actual temperature; means for setting a set temperature, the set temperature setting means providing a set temperature signal; means for setting a setback temperature, the setback temperature setting means providing a setback temperature signal; a microprocessor, the microprocessor being responsive to the set and setback temperature signals and to the temperature sensor signal and generating first and second output signals in response thereto; means for detecting a power outage, the power outage detecting means generating an output signal in response to a power outage; a display, the display being responsive to the first output signal from the microprocessor and displaying information corresponding to a set temperature, setback temperature and actual temperature in response thereto; and means for controlling power to at least one of a heating unit and an air conditioning unit, the power controlling means being responsive to the second output signal from the microprocessor and selectively controlling power to the at least one of a heating unit and an air conditioning unit in response thereto; wherein the microprocessor is further responsive to the output signal from the power outage detecting means and automatically reprograms itself in response thereto and in further response to the set temperature signal and setback temperature signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of displaying at least one of a set temperature and a setback temperature setting on a display of a thermostat, the thermostat having an operator adjustable set temperature setting means and an operator adjustable setback temperature setting means and further having means for sensing an actual temperature, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) sensing the operator adjustment of at least one of the set temperature setting means and the setback temperature setting means; and (b) upon sensing the operator adjustment in step (a), displaying for a first predetermined period of time at least one of the set temperature prior to operator adjustment and the setback temperature setting prior to operator adjustment. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification